Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of internal organs and soft tissues. Unlike X-rays, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. However, metal within or on the body, such as piercings, can pose a concern during an MRI scan due to strong magnetic forces.
Why Piercings Matter in an MRI
Metal objects are significant during an MRI scan due to the powerful magnetic field. Ferromagnetic materials, strongly attracted to magnets, can experience a pulling force, potentially causing movement or injury if inside the body. This magnetic attraction can also dislodge external piercings.
Beyond magnetic attraction, conductive materials can heat up due to radiofrequency energy, potentially resulting in burns. Any metal object can also create artifacts on MRI images, appearing as distortions that obscure anatomy, hindering diagnosis.
Nose Piercings and MRI Safety
MRI safety with a nose piercing depends primarily on the jewelry material. Piercing materials are categorized by magnetic properties: ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, and diamagnetic.
Ferromagnetic metals (e.g., certain types of stainless steel, iron, nickel) are strongly attracted to the MRI magnet, posing risks like migration or severe burns. Paramagnetic materials (e.g., some alloys of titanium or platinum) are weakly attracted, generally posing less risk but potentially causing heating or image artifacts. Diamagnetic materials (e.g., surgical-grade titanium, niobium, 24k gold) are not attracted to magnetic fields.
However, even non-ferromagnetic metals can heat up due to radiofrequency pulses, especially if they form a closed loop or are near the skin. Therefore, materials like surgical stainless steel or lower-karat gold may still present a heating risk.
Preparing for Your MRI with a Piercing
For an MRI with a nose piercing, the safest approach is to remove jewelry whenever possible. This eliminates risks from the magnetic field or radiofrequency heating. If the piercing is relatively new or difficult to remove, consult a professional piercer for assistance with safe removal and reinsertion.
Inform your healthcare provider and MRI technologist about all piercings before your scan. This allows the medical team to assess the situation and provide guidance on removal or alternatives. Disclosure ensures your safety and helps obtain clearer images.
When Removal Isn’t Possible
If removing a nose piercing isn’t feasible (e.g., due to newness, lack of healing, or swelling), one alternative is to replace metal jewelry with a non-metallic retainer. These retainers are typically made from non-conductive, non-magnetic materials like bioplast, glass, or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
However, using a non-metallic retainer should only be considered if approved by your healthcare provider or the MRI staff, and if the piercing is sufficiently healed to allow for temporary jewelry changes. The MRI staff makes the final decision on whether a scan can proceed with a non-removable piercing. They assess risks on a case-by-case basis, considering the piercing’s material, location, and scan type to ensure patient safety.